Man struck, killed along I-26

Published: Monday, December 3, 2012 at 7:55 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, December 3, 2012 at 7:55 p.m.

A pair of eyeglasses laid crumpled, encircled by orange spray paint, on the side of I-26 Monday night as the N.C. Highway Patrol investigated the scene of a fatal collision.

A man was struck and killed along I-26 near the 57 mile marker around 6 p.m. Monday, according to Patrol Sgt. B.E. Hipp.

The man was identified as 22-year-old David Winter of Kansas, who was staying in Mill Spring, according to Trooper C. Sama. His vehicle was found on the side of the road about 500 yards away, it's doors locked.

Troopers say Winter was struck in the middle of the westbound lanes by a tractor trailer. A second driver clipped Winter after he was hit, Sama said.

An 18-wheeler was parked along the roadside. The strobe of emergency lights from first responders and two other unidentified vehicles lit up the scene.

Sama said he suspects the impact from the tractor trailer killed Winter instantly. Sama was not sure why the man was in the middle of the interstate.

No charges are expected. Sama said there was nothing the truck driver could have done to avoid hitting Winter.

<p>A pair of eyeglasses laid crumpled, encircled by orange spray paint, on the side of I-26 Monday night as the N.C. Highway Patrol investigated the scene of a fatal collision.</p><p>A man was struck and killed along I-26 near the 57 mile marker around 6 p.m. Monday, according to Patrol Sgt. B.E. Hipp.</p><p>The man was identified as 22-year-old David Winter of Kansas, who was staying in Mill Spring, according to Trooper C. Sama. His vehicle was found on the side of the road about 500 yards away, it's doors locked.</p><p>Troopers say Winter was struck in the middle of the westbound lanes by a tractor trailer. A second driver clipped Winter after he was hit, Sama said. </p><p>An 18-wheeler was parked along the roadside. The strobe of emergency lights from first responders and two other unidentified vehicles lit up the scene.</p><p>Sama said he suspects the impact from the tractor trailer killed Winter instantly. Sama was not sure why the man was in the middle of the interstate.</p><p>No charges are expected. Sama said there was nothing the truck driver could have done to avoid hitting Winter.</p><p>Reach Weaver at emily.weaver@blueridgenow.com or 828-694-7867.</p>